2016 Award Winners

Jessy Pelham, Talking With Aussies and Peer Mentor

Since July 2015, Jessy has been volunteering with the Talking with Aussies program, which matches locals with international students to assist them with their English while learning about Australian culture. Jessy’s commitment to his volunteering is exemplary; Jessy has even taken his student to his home town in the Riverland to provide an Aussie country experience.

His enthusiasm along with fresh ideas for the program has seen him involved in the recruitment of new volunteers, which has resulted in a higher number of domestic students volunteering. As a Bachelor of Arts undergraduate Jessy is very passionate about helping international students, which led him to join the International Student Centre (ISC) Peer Mentor program in February 2016.

Geoff Nowak, University Collections Roseworthy Agricultural Museum

Geoff has performed the role of Volunteer Museum Manager for the Roseworthy Agricultural Museum since 2007. He dedicates every Wednesday throughout the year and one Sunday a month to supervise the opening of the museum to the public, and he often attends the museum at other times to maintain the collections, re-display and work on the digital records.

Geoff has enriched the volunteer program by bringing an exceptional approach to the collections and opened up more of the University’s treasures to the public and prospective students. His knowledge, dedication and contribution have allowed the University to manage, maintain and re-invigorate the Roseworthy Agricultural Museum, which has seen an increase in visitors and interest. His personal contribution and pride in the museum are game-changers for its success.

2016 Student Volunteer Award Nominees

Laura has been volunteering as a MultiLit and Event Volunteer with the Adelaide Compass program since March 2014 while completing her PhD in Plant Genetics. Working with low socio-economic schools, Laura engages with primary students once a week in a range of learning activities and literacy programs. She works one to one with students who are struggling to learn to read and provides intensive reading support to improve students' literacy, confidence and resilience.

By assisting students to reach the same reading level as their peers, there is no doubt that Laura has changed the lives of the children she has worked with. Laura’s passion for science and learning shine through in her conversations with students, inspiring them to embrace learning in a similar way and making her a wonderful role model.

Kahlia has been with the program since it commenced in February 2015 and has guided and mentored new students through their first 5 weeks of University by providing information on support services, and helping students understand the expectations and requirements of life as a university student and establish a sense of belonging.

The program is now in its second year and Kahlia has been involved in recruitment and interviewing of new volunteers; she is always open to sharing her experiences, especially with prospective students. Kahlia’s professional and kind manner helps to improve students' confidence and ability to proceed with their study.

Yao has many volunteering roles within the Confucius Institute including event assistant, photographer, Chinese tutor and cultural workshop volunteer. Since June 2015 Yao has assisted at many events to raise awareness of the Confucius Institute. Her photography skills and ability to promote the institute's work on social media, including YouTube videos, has resulted in increased interest in Chinese culture within the community.

Anmol has been involved in the Health and Medical Sciences Senior Peer Mentor program since it commenced in 2015. He provides guidance and support to new students each week while being a leader and role model to new peer mentors. He also assists Disability Services as a participation assistant, helping students with laboratory work.

As an international student he has a focus on ensuring other international students establish a sense of belonging within the University and the city. Anmol goes above and beyond his duties by providing assistance with enrollment sessions and speaking with future students about his University experiences.

2016 Volunteer Award Nominees

Merry’s contribution to the program and the Hughes Bequest Committee over the past 8 years has been outstanding. Her knowledge of the University and ability to engage with alumni to promote the program has seen a significant increase of awareness which has resulted in providing scholarships to disadvantaged students. She has attended nearly 72 Friends and Benefactors events since 2008. As a passionate supporter of the University, Merry has also been involved in programs such as Talking with Aussies, Friends of the Barr Smith Library and Experience Adelaide.

John was the first volunteer dentist to start in 2011 when the Dental Outreach Program commenced. He continues to support our dental students through his advice and wisdom that only experience can supply. His expertise has enabled these students to provide dental care for the homeless and vulnerable who are often lacking access to timely dental care. John’s reliability provides a sense of stability to the program and a familiar reassuring face for our patients. John also volunteers for Lifeline on a weekly basis and drives a community bus for Unley City Council.

Clare has been volunteering with the University Collections every Tuesday consistently for 7 years. She has also been a regular History & Heritage Tour Guide since July 2012. She develops and manages an internal office ‘library’ of resources and correlating records, which she has achieved and grown with minimal supervision. Clare has contributed to improving access to office and tour resources for use by staff, volunteers and interns. As a retired teacher and librarian, Clare’s knowledge and professional opinion is often sought and much appreciated.

Peter has been a committed and enthusiastic volunteer for Talking with Aussies since it commenced 21 years ago. He has worked with numerous international students over this period, meeting with them on a regular basis. Peter encourages the students he meet with to engage with the University and local community. He has also been most diligent in attending the weekly group conversation session where students interact in small groups.

To maintain that level of commitment over all those years, with unwavering good-nature, enthusiasm and patience is indeed a remarkable achievement.

Kevin joined the AU Soccer Club in 2001 and within a year he signed up as a volunteer after seeing the importance of orientation week contact with the new student intake. Kevin restarted the involvement of AU Soccer in the University Games after it had lapsed in the early 90s. He joined the AU Sports Board in 2003 and was instrumental in the redevelopment of the Graduates Oval. Since 2007 Kevin has also been involved in women’s soccer from seniors to juniors.

Brian has been a consistent and dedicated volunteer every Tuesday since the group’s inception in August 2008. Not only has Brian been dedicated to University Collections resource tasks and projects, but he has also been a History & Heritage Tour Guide since June 2012. Due to his exceptional knowledge of history Brian is often assigned to host VIP tours for professional international delegates, and his reliability and availability for tour guiding has been a pillar of strength for our program. As an alumnus, Brian's enthusiasm for the University and its history has been contagious with visitors, staff and students.

Joy’s volunteering for the University has spanned 11 years and five of the current six volunteer groups at Urrbrae House. As a tour guide Joy leads visitors through the house museum, providing institutional, architectural and social history to the general public. As a flower arranger Joy is often found in the gardens of Urrbrae House picking the beautiful flowers to display.

Joy is an integral part of the Urrbrae House Schools’ program, dressed as Agnes the laundry maid she provides school children with insight into what it was like to be part of the home of Mr & Mrs Waite. Joy is also the current President of the Friends of Urrbrae House committee, and oversees planning for public concerts and other activities.

Please note: To be eligible for nomination, nominees must be a registered volunteer of the University Volunteer Program through an approved volunteer group.

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